VT Man Guilty in Dog's Death

NEWPORT CITY — A man has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in the shooting death of his neighbor's dog.

Thirty-four-year-old Dennis Gonyaw of Browningtown entered his plea in Orleans District Court on Feb. 4, when his trial was scheduled to begin. His sentence will be determined at a hearing that has not yet been scheduled.

Vermont State Police say Gonyaw went to a neighbor's home and shot the 11-month-old Siberian husky because it was harassing his cows.

Police say Gonyaw chased after the animal and shot it twice after he accidentally set it free from the neighbor's truck.

Prosecutors have dismissed a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals by causing undue pain against Gonyaw.